Customizable multi-stage water treatment system

ABSTRACT

A customizable multi-stage fluid treatment assembly typically includes a connector, a plurality of cartridges, and a cap. The plurality of cartridges have a treatment medium spaced within an interior volume of the individual cartridges, between the ends thereof. The ends of the plurality of cartridges are configured to receive a fluid, bring the fluid into operative contact with the treatment medium, and dispense the fluid from the opposing end of the cartridge. The connector is coupled with one end of the plurality of cartridges and has an inlet and an outlet for receiving and dispensing the fluid to and from an appliance. The cap is coupled with the other end of the plurality of cartridges, enclosing the fluid treatment assembly, which is configured to be received in a cavity of an appliance. The cartridges of the plurality of cartridges may be individually replaced with cartridges to meet customized needs.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to and hereby incorporates by reference theentirety of the following patent applications filed on even dateherewith: Ser. No. 13/674,300, entitled CUSTOMIZABLE MULTI-STAGE WATERTREATMENT ASSEMBLY; Ser. No. 13/674,313, entitled FILTER HOUSING FORSMALL MEDIA; Ser. No. 13/674,289, entitled MULTI-STAGE FLUID FILTERASSEMBLY WITH FILTRATION MEMBRANE; and Ser. No. 13/674,266, entitledCONSUMABLE DESCALING CARTRIDGES FOR A REFRIGERATOR APPLIANCE.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to water treatment assembliesfor appliances typically domestic refrigerators, refrigerators andfreezers, freezers, or ice making devices, and more specifically relatesto a customizable water treatment assembly adapted to engage to aninterior cavity of an appliance.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Water filters are commonly used in appliances and applied to otherhousehold water sources. Generally these applications of water filtersrequire the filter to be substantially compact in size and free ofinternal moving parts. Further, these filters are relied upon to filterimpurities from water sources, such as well water and municipal water,for human consumption among other things. The commonly used waterfilters for appliances typically have fixed filtering capabilities andare wholly disposable upon expiration of useful life.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention, a customizablemulti-stage water treatment system includes a base cartridge, a firstvariable cartridge, a second variable cartridge, a connector, and akeyed mating arrangement. The base cartridge has a first end, a secondend, and a sidewall extending between the first and second ends andsurrounding a base interior volume. A base treatment medium is spacedwithin the base interior volume. The first variable cartridge isconfigured to be removably engaged by hand, typically without the use oftools with the base cartridge, such that the first variable cartridgehas a first coupler end engaged with the second end of the basecartridge. The first variable cartridge also has a first receiver endand a first wall extending between the first coupler and first receiverends and surrounding a first interior volume. A first treatment mediumis spaced within the first interior volume. The second variablecartridge is configured to be removably engaged by hand, typicallywithout the use of tools, with the first variable cartridge, such thatthe second variable cartridge has a second coupler end engaged with thefirst receiver end of the first variable cartridge. The second variablecartridge also has a second receiver end and a second wall extendingbetween the second coupler and the second receiver ends and surroundinga second interior volume. A second treatment medium is spaced within thesecond interior volume. The connector is coupled with the first end ofthe base cartridge and has an inlet for receiving an intake water from awater source and an outlet for dispensing a treated water to a user. Theconnector is devoid of treatment medium. The base, first variable, andsecond variable cartridges together are configured to receive the intakewater, to bring the intake water into operative contact with the base,first, and second treatment mediums to change the intake water to thetreated water. The keyed mating arrangement is disposed on theconnector, the base cartridge, first variable cartridge, and secondvariable cartridge Accordingly, the keyed mating arrangement isconfigured to prohibit the base cartridge from matingly engaging in afluid tight manner with the second variable cartridge and to prohibitthe connector from matingly engaging in a fluid tight manner with thefirst and second variable cartridges.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a water treatmentcartridge for a customizable multi-stage water treatment system for anappliance includes a first end, a second end, and a sidewall extendingbetween the first and second ends enclosing an interior volume. Atreatment medium is spaced within the interior volume, such that thefirst end is configured to receive a water flow from the appliance,bring the water flow into operative contact with the treatment medium,and dispense the water flow from the second end, in such a manner thatthe fluid travels through the water treatment cartridge. A channel isformed within the sidewall between the first end and the second end. Thechannel is configured to transport the water flow from the second end tothe first end. Further, a first locking configuration is disposed on thefirst end and a second locking configuration disposed on the second end,such that the first end is configured to directly engage a correspondingfirst locking configuration and the second end is configured to directlyengage a corresponding second locking configuration. The first andsecond locking configurations arrange the cartridge at a specific stageof the water treatment system.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a method oftreating a fluid using a customizable multi-stage fluid treatmentapparatus for an appliance includes several steps. A step includesexposing a receiving cavity on a filter head assembly of the applianceis exposed to allow for removal or insertion of a fluid treatmentapparatus. Next, a base cartridge of a fluid treatment apparatus isgrasped having a first end, a second end, and a sidewall extendingbetween the first and second ends enclosing an interior volume, whereina base treatment medium is spaced within the interior volume, andwherein the first and second ends are configured to receive a fluid,bring the fluid into operative contact with the base treatment medium,and dispense the fluid, such that the fluid travels through the basecartridge. Next, a first coupler end of a first variable cartridge of afluid treatment apparatus is removably and sealably engaged by hand,typically without the use of tools with the second end of the basecartridge, wherein the first variable cartridge includes a firstreceiver end and a first wall extending between the first coupler endand the first receiver end enclosing a first inside volume, and whereina first treatment medium is spaced within the first inside volume, andwherein the first coupler end and the first receiver ends are configuredto receive the fluid, bring the fluid into operative contact with thefirst treatment medium, and dispense the fluid, such that the fluidtravels through the first variable cartridge. Next, a connector of afluid treatment apparatus is removably and sealably engaged by hand withthe first end of the base cartridge, wherein the connector has an inletand an outlet for receiving and dispensing the fluid to and from theappliance and configured to receive and dispense the fluid to and fromthe base cartridge, and wherein a keyed mating arrangement is disposedbetween the connector and the base cartridge and between the basecartridge and the first variable cartridge, such that the keyed matingarrangement prevents the connector from directly sealably engaging thefirst variable cartridge. Next, the fluid treatment apparatus isinserted in the receiving cavity of the filter head assembly and isaligned in a connecting position with the filter head assembly. Next,the first variable cartridge is rotated to manipulate and align theconnector of the fluid treatment apparatus, thereby engaging the inletof the connector with a water supply port of the filter head assemblyand the outlet of the connector with a water delivery port of the filterhead assembly. Next, a by-pass valve in the filter head assembly isopened by rotating the first variable cartridge of the fluid treatmentapparatus, thereby supplying a water flow from the appliance through theinlet, through the fluid treatment apparatus, wherein the water flow istreated and thereafter dispensed through the outlet back into theappliance.

These and other features, advantages, and objects of the presentinvention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled inthe art by reference to the following specification, claims, andappended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a refrigerator and freezerappliance that indicates a general location where a customizablemulti-stage fluid treatment assembly may be operably connected to theappliance;

FIG. 2 is front elevational view of a refrigerator and freezer appliancehaving a refrigerator door open and a general location where acustomizable multi-stage fluid treatment assembly may be operablyconnected to the appliance;

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of a filter head assembly of anappliance and a customizable multi-stage fluid treatment assembly;

FIG. 4 is an exploded top perspective view of a customizable multi-stagefluid treatment assembly;

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of an assembled customizablemulti-stage fluid treatment assembly having a first part of a housingattached with a second part of the housing;

FIG. 5A is a side elevational view of a customizable multi-stage fluidtreatment assembly having a first part of the housing detached from asecond part of the housing;

FIG. 5B is a side elevational view of a customizable multi-stage fluidtreatment assembly having a first part of the housing detached from asecond part of the housing;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional top perspective view of a customizablemulti-stage fluid treatment assembly taken along line X-X of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional side view of an additional embodiment of acustomizable multi-stage fluid treatment assembly;

FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional side view of an additional embodiment of acustomizable multi-stage fluid treatment assembly;

FIG. 6C is a cross-sectional side view of an additional embodiment of acustomizable multi-stage fluid treatment assembly;

FIG. 6D is a cross-sectional side view of an additional embodiment of acustomizable multi-stage fluid treatment assembly;

FIG. 6E is a top perspective view of a cartridge of the customizablemulti-stage fluid treatment assembly as shown in FIG. 6D;

FIG. 7 is an exploded top perspective view of an additional embodimentof a customizable multi-stage fluid treatment assembly;

FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of an assembled customizablemulti-stage fluid treatment assembly of the embodiment of FIG. 7;

FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional side view of the assembled customizablemulti-stage fluid treatment assembly taken along line Y-Y of FIG. 8;

FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional side view of an additional embodiment of acustomizable multi-stage fluid treatment assembly;

FIG. 8C is a cross-sectional side view of an additional embodiment of acustomizable multi-stage fluid treatment assembly;

FIG. 8D is a cross-sectional side view of the disassembled cartridges ofthe customizable multi-stage fluid treatment assembly as shown in FIG.8C;

FIG. 8E is an exploded top perspective view of an additional embodimentof a customizable multi-stage fluid treatment assembly;

FIG. 9 is an exploded top perspective view of an additional embodimentof a customizable multi-stage fluid treatment assembly showing a keyedmating arrangement;

FIG. 9A is a top perspective view of a cartridge of the fluid treatmentassembly having an additional embodiment of the keyed matingarrangement;

FIG. 9B is a side elevational view of a cartridge of the fluid treatmentassembly having an additional embodiment of the keyed matingarrangement;

FIG. 9C is a bottom plan view of a cartridge of the fluid treatmentassembly having an additional embodiment of the keyed matingarrangement;

FIG. 9D is a top plan view of a cartridge of the fluid treatmentassembly having an additional embodiment of the keyed matingarrangement;

FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of a cartridge of an embodiment of acustomizable multi-stage fluid treatment assembly;

FIG. 10A is a top perspective view of a cartridge of an embodiment of acustomizable multi-stage fluid treatment assembly; and

FIG. 10B is a top perspective view of a cartridge of an embodiment of acustomizable multi-stage fluid treatment assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,”“left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivates thereofshall relate to the customizable multi-stage fluid treatment assembly asoriented in FIG. 1. However, it is to be understood that thecustomizable multi-stage fluid treatment assembly may assume variousalternative orientations, except where expressly specified to thecontrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices andprocesses illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in thefollowing specification are simply exemplary embodiments of theinventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specificdimensions and other physical characteristics relating to theembodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting,unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

As generally illustrated in FIGS. 1-10B, the reference numeral 10generally designates one embodiment of a customizable multi-stage fluidtreatment assembly or water treatment assembly. The customizablemulti-stage fluid treatment assembly 10 typically includes a connector12, a base cartridge 14, a first variable cartridge 16, and a cap 18.The base cartridge 14 has a base treatment medium 20 spaced within aninterior volume 22 of the base cartridge 14, between a first end 24 anda second end 26 of the base cartridge 14, such that the first and secondends 24, 26 of the base cartridge are configured to receive a fluid,bring the fluid into operative contact with the base treatment medium20, and dispense the fluid from the opposing end of the base cartridge14. The connector 12 is coupled with the first end 24 of the basecartridge 14 and has an inlet 28 and an outlet 30 for receiving anddispensing the fluid to and from an appliance. The connector 12 istypically devoid of any treatment medium. The first variable cartridge16 has a first coupler end 32 that is configured to be removably engagedand disengaged by hand with the second end 26 of the base cartridgewithout the use of tools. The first variable cartridge 16 also has afirst filter medium 34 spaced within a first inside volume 36 betweenthe first coupler end 32 and a first receiver end 38, such that thefirst coupler and the receiver ends 32, 38 of the first variablecartridge 16 are configured to receive the fluid, bring the fluid intooperative contact with the first filter medium 34, and dispense thefluid from the first variable cartridge 16. The cap 18 is coupled withthe first receiver end 38 of the first variable cartridge 16, enclosingthe fluid treatment assembly 10.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the fluid treatment assembly 10 is generallyinstalled by hand and without the use of tools and is configured to beremovably engaged and disengaged with a domestic refrigerator appliance300. Filter assemblies of the present invention may also be used inother applications, including other appliances that store, use, ordispense ice, water, or other liquid to be filtered and/or treated. Thefluid treatment assembly 10 is generally configured to engage theappliance 300, typically via a filter head assembly 400 (FIG. 3) ineither the lower grille portion 302 (FIG. 1) or the upper panel portion304 (FIG. 2) of a domestic refrigerator. Generally, the fluid treatmentassembly is pushed into a receiving cavity 402 of the filter headassembly 400 and typically twisted about its central longitudinal axisby hand into engagement and out of engagement with the appliance 300. Itis conceivable, however, that other linear forces, torque forces, andcombinations thereof may be used to engage and disengage the fluidtreatment assembly 10 with an appliance without the use of tools. In theillustrated embodiments, a side-by-side domestic refrigerator is shownhaving a freezer section 306 on the left side and a refrigerator section(fresh food compartment) 308 on the right side.

The interior portion 310 of the refrigerator section typically has anupper panel portion 304 extending across the top portion of the section.Generally, a fluid treatment assembly 10 that is located on the interiorportion 310 of the appliance 300 is located in the refrigerator section308 to avoid freezing temperatures. In particular, the upper panelportion 304 in a refrigerator section 308 provides a suitable locationfor the fluid treatment assembly 10, as this location is also frequentlyoccupied by temperature controls or other user interfaces or displays. Adrop down, push button activated access door in the ceiling of theappliance may also be opened and the fluid treatment assembly 10inserted and engaged to the appliance through this access door.

The lower grille portion 302 of the domestic refrigerator appliance 300is also a suitable location for the fluid treatment assembly 10, as sucha location typically provides close proximity to a water sourceconnection leading to the appliance, has an above-freezing temperature,and is near other electrical components and devices, such as thecompressor. Additionally, other suitable locations that allow wateregress and ingress are conceivable on domestic refrigerators,refrigerators and freezers, freezers, ice makers, humidifiers,dishwashers, laundry machines, and other appliances.

As shown in FIG. 3, the filter head assembly 400 may include a receptor404 for mechanically retaining and supporting the fluid treatmentassembly 10 in addition to optionally allowing the appliance 300 todetect the presence of the fluid treatment assembly 10, to allow theappliance 300 to make a connection with the fluid treatment assembly 10,and to allow the appliance 300 to detect the capacity, type, status, andquality of the fluid treatment assembly 10. The filter head assembly 400includes the receiving cavity 402 that may be accessed by a user byopening an access door 406 hingedly coupled with the filter headassembly 400. It is also contemplated that a threaded access cap orother closure may be used to conceal the cavity. The cavity has a depth408 configured to received the fluid treatment assembly 10.

Referring to FIG. 4, one embodiment of the multi-stage fluid treatmentassembly 10 is shown having the base cartridge 14 and the first variablecartridge 16 arranged to be coaxially spaced within an exterior housing40 of the fluid treatment assembly 10. The exterior housing 40 issubstantially cylindrical shaped and has a water end 42, having theinlet 28 and the outlet 30, for respectively receiving and dispensingthe flow of water to and from the appliance or other water source. Assuch, the connector, as more fully described below, is integrated in thewater end 42 of the exterior housing 40 of this embodiment. The waterend 42 is configured to receive untreated water through the inlet 28 anddispensing fully treated water through the outlet 30 after it has beentreated by at least one treatment medium.

The exterior housing 40 also includes a shell wall 44 extending from thewater end 42 to an opposite end 46 of the exterior housing 40, wherebyan interior volume 48 of the exterior housing is defined as the interiorvolume of the tubular shaped shell wall 44. Accordingly, in thisembodiment, the cap 18, as more fully described below, may be integratedin the opposite end 46 of the exterior housing 40. The water flow canonly enter and exit the interior volume 48 from the water end 42 of theexterior housing 40. However, it is conceived that the substantiallycylindrical shape of the exterior housing 40 may alternatively includean oval cross-section cylindrical shape, a rectangular prism shape, anda conical shape, among other shapes and configurations that areconfigured to encompass at least the base cartridge 14 and the firstvariable cartridge 16 and are shaped to be received in the receivingcavity 402 of the filter head assembly 400.

As shown in FIG. 4, to assist in engagement of the fluid treatmentassembly 10 with the filter head assembly 400, a helical groove 50 maybe formed near the water end 42 in the shell wall 44 of the exteriorhousing 40. Upon installation of the fluid treatment assembly 10, thehelical groove 50 engages a peg on the filter head assembly 400 to urgethe fluid treatment assembly 10 to rotate when pushed longitudinallyinto the receiving cavity 402 of the filter head assembly 400 and otherconceivable engagement mechanisms. It is also conceivable that thehelical groove 50 is not provided and other attachment arrangements areincluded on the fluid treatment assembly 10.

As also shown in FIGS. 5-5B, the exterior housing 40 has two segments,including a top end 52 and a bottom end 54. The top end 52 of theexterior housing 40 may be removed to allow access to, removal, andreplacement of the plurality of cartridges, allowing for a customizedfiltering arrangement to be created and maintained without replacing theentire fluid treatment assembly 10. The top end 52 of the exteriorhousing 40 includes the cap 18 and the bottom end includes the connector12 of the fluid treatment assembly 10. In addition, the top end 52 iscoupled to the bottom end 54 at an intermediate portion 56 of the shellwall 44 of the exterior housing 40; although it is contemplated that thetop end 52 may engage the bottom end 54 at another portion on the shellwall 44.

As illustrated in FIG. 5A, the top end 52 may couple to the bottom end54 to form the exterior housing 40 by a series of tabs 58 on the bottomend 54 that engage a series of slots 60 on the top end 52. The tabs 58may engage the slots 60 in a snap-fit arrangement or by other engagementfeatures. In place of tabs, other engagement mechanisms, includingrounded or angled points or other engagable points can be used. As shownin FIG. 5B, the top end 52 may couple to the bottom end 54 to form theexterior housing 40 by threadable engagement. It is also contemplatedthat the top end 52 may couple with the bottom end 54 to form theassembled exterior housing 40, as shown in FIG. 5, by other threading ormating features that do not require tools aside from one's hands.

Referring again to FIG. 4, the base cartridge 14 has a base treatmentmedium 20 spaced within the interior volume 22 of the base cartridge 14,defined between the first end 24 and the second end 26 of the basecartridge 14 and a sidewall 27 of the base cartridge 14. The first andsecond ends 24, 26 of the base cartridge 14 are configured to receive afluid, bring the fluid into operative contact with the base treatmentmedium 20, and dispense the fluid from the opposing end of the basecartridge 14. Further, the first variable cartridge 16 has the firstcoupler end 32 removably engaged by hand with the second end 26 of thebase cartridge 14. As such, the first variable cartridge 16 removablyengages the base cartridge 14 by grasping each cartridge and applying aforce, such as a linear force, a torque force, or a combination thereof,to removably engage the cartridges. The first variable cartridge 16 hasthe first filter medium 34 spaced within the first inside volume 36,defined between the first coupler end 32, the first receiver end 38, anda first wall 39 of the first variable cartridge 16. The first couplerand receiver ends 32, 38 of the first variable cartridge 16 areconfigured to receive the fluid, bring the fluid into operative contactwith the first filter medium 34, and dispense the fluid from the firstvariable cartridge 16. One should appreciate that couplers can be ofother orientations and structures as to allow fluid flow.

As shown in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 4, a second variablecartridge 62 is configured to be removably engaged by hand with thefirst variable cartridge 16, such that the second variable cartridge 62is coaxially spaced within the interior volume 48 of the exteriorhousing 40. As such, the second variable cartridge 62 removably engagesthe first variable cartridge 16 by grasping each cartridge and applyinga force, such as a linear force, a torque force, or a combinationthereof, to removably engage the cartridges. Accordingly, the secondvariable cartridge 62 includes a second coupler end 64 removably engagedwith the first receiver end 38 of the first variable cartridge 16, asecond receiver end 66, and a second wall 68 extending between thesecond coupler end 64 and the second receiver end 66 enclosing a secondinside volume 70. A second treatment medium 71, or filtering medium, isspaced within the second inside volume 70 between the second coupler end64 and second receiver end 66, such that the second coupler and secondreceiver ends 64, 66 of the second variable cartridge 62 are configuredto receive the fluid, bring the fluid into operative contact with thesecond treatment medium, and dispense the fluid from the opposing end ofthe second variable cartridge 62.

Still referring to the illustrated embodiment in FIG. 4, the multi-stagefluid treatment assembly 10 includes a top filter 72 that has a topfilter housing 74 operably connected and configured to be removablyengaged and disengaged by hand with the second receiver end 66 of thesecond variable cartridge 62, such that the top filter 72 is coaxiallyspaced within an interior volume 48 of the exterior housing 40. As such,the top filter 72 removably engages the second variable cartridge 62 bygrasping the cartridge and filter and applying a force, such as a linearforce, a torque force, or a combination thereof, to removably engage thesame. However, it is conceivable that the top filter 72 mayalternatively engage the first variable cartridge 16 if the secondvariable cartridge 62 is not used or if the first variable cartridge 16is sized to consume the space in the interior volume 48 of the exteriorhousing 40 occupied by the second variable cartridge 62. Further, it iscontemplated that the top filter 72 may alternatively engage a thirdvariable cartridge if three variable cartridges are configured to occupythe interior volume 48 of the exterior housing 40. In addition, it iscontemplated that the top filter 72 may engage the variable cartridge ofa plurality of variable filter cartridges most distal from theconnector.

As shown in FIG. 4, the top filter 72 includes the top filter housing 74having a substantially porous top wall 76, a top coupler end 78, a topreceiver end 80, and an interior conduit 82 configured to conduct waterfrom the top filter 72 to the engaged variable cartridge. The top wall76 of the top filter 72 is water permeable or comprised a plurality ofholes that allow water to move from outside the top filter housing 74into an interior of the top filter housing and into operative contactwith a top water treatment medium 84 spaced therein. The top filterwater treatment medium 84 is water permeable and configured to treatwater received. The interior conduit 82 is operably connected proximateto the top coupler end 78 to the second variable cartridge 62 proximateto the second receiver end 66, or other variable cartridge, and inoperation, allows water treated by the top filter water treatment medium84 to engage the second treatment medium 71 of the second variablecartridge 62, as shown in FIG. 6, or the treatment medium of the otherengaged variable cartridge.

The at least one treatment medium within the base cartridge 14, firstvariable cartridge 16, second variable cartridge 62, and top filter 72,among other potential or alternative cartridges, may comprise materialconfigured to treat water, especially water for human consumption,chosen from a treatment group consisting of filtering particulate matterfrom the water, adding a descaling agent to the water, adding vitaminsto the water, adding minerals to the water, adding a pharmaceuticallyactive agent, purifying the taste of the water, removing odor from thewater, and altering the color of the water, or mixtures thereof. Thedescaling agents that may be added to the fluid by the treatment mediummay be chosen from the group consisting of organic acid, inorganic acid,sulfonic acid, carboxylic acid, lactic acid, acetic acid, formic acid,oxalic acid, uric acid, phosphoric acid, hydrochloric acid, sulfamicacid, and mixtures thereof. The water treatment medium contained inindividual cartridges may also be chosen from the group consisting of:carbon (e.g., activated carbon particles, such as mesoporous activatedcarbon, carbon powder, particles sintered with a plastic binder, carbonparticles coated with a silver containing material, or a block of porouscarbon); ion exchange material (e.g., resin beads, flat filtrationmembranes, fibrous filtration structures, etc.); zeolite particles orcoatings (e.g., silver loaded); polyethylene; charged-modified,melt-blown, or microfiber glass webs; alumina; aluminosilicate material;and diatomaceous earth. The water treatment medium may also beimpregnated or otherwise disposed on a porous support substrate, such asa fabric material, a paper material, a polymer screen, or otherconceivable porous structures that may be contained in the individualcartridges, which in some instances may be configured to allow the fluidto flow across the support substrate and not through the supportsubstrate.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, a plurality of water treatment cartridges,illustrated to include the base cartridge 14, the first variablecartridge 16, the second variable cartridge 62, and the top filter 72,are spaced coaxially and sized to fit within the interior volume 48 ofthe exterior housing 40. A water flow channel 86 is defined between theplurality of water treatment cartridges and the exterior housing 40.More specifically, the sidewall 27 of the base cartridge 14, the firstwall 39 of the first variable cartridge 16, and the second wall 68 ofthe second variable cartridge 62 together form a sealed inside wall ofthe channel 86. The outside wall of the channel, in this embodiment, isformed with the inner surface of the exterior housing 40. The water flowchannel 86 extends from the inlet 28 to the opposite end 46 of theexterior housing 40. The top filter 72 includes a plug 85 that restrictsthe water flow from entering the top of the top filter 72 and insteadurges the water flow to enter the top wall 76 of the top filter 72.

Still referring to FIG. 6, the water flow channel 86 is formed from aspace between the exterior housing 40 of the base cartridge 14 and thevariable cartridge or cartridges spaced within the interior volume 48 ofthe housing 40. The channel 86 also extends between the inlet 28 and theopposite end 46 of the exterior housing 40. In operation, the channel 86is configured to allow a water flow to travel in a closed circuit to andfrom the water end 42 of the exterior housing 40, such that the waterflow enters through the inlet 28, subsequently travels through thechannel 86 to the opposite end 46 of the exterior housing, subsequentlyenters the top filter 72, typically through the top wall 76,subsequently travels into the second variable cartridge 62 through theconduit 82 of the top filter 72, subsequently interacts with and passesthough the second treatment medium 71, subsequently enters the firstvariable cartridge 16, subsequently interacts and passes through thefirst treatment medium 34, subsequently enters the base cartridge 14,subsequently interacts with and passes through the base treatment medium20, and finally exits the fluid treatment assembly 10 though the outlet30 as treated water. It is also conceived that the water flow travels ina reverse order from that described above, wherein the outlet 30functions as the inlet 28 and the inlet functions as the outlet on theconnector 12.

Additional embodiments of the channel 86, among other things, areillustrated in FIGS. 6A-6D. More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 6A and6B, the channel 86 extends within the exterior housing 40 between theouter surface of the exterior housing 40 and the inner surface of theexterior housing 40. As shown in FIG. 6A, the channel 86 extends withinthe exterior housing 40 from the inlet 28 of the connector 12 on thewater end 42 of the exterior housing 40, through the shell wall 44, andto the opposite end 46 of the exterior housing 40. In FIG. 6A thechannel 86 extends to a central cavity 88 positioned coaxial in relationto the variable cartridges; however, it is contemplated that the channel86 may extend to other positions at the opposite end 46 of the exteriorhousing 40. In FIG. 6B, a top filter 90, or conceivably any othervariable cartridge, is integrated with the opposite end 46 of theexterior housing 40, and as such a treatment medium is spaced within theopposite end 46 of the exterior housing. In such arrangement the channel86 extends beyond the integrated top filter 90 and treatment medium to asimilarly positioned central cavity 88.

As shown in FIGS. 6C-6D, the channel 86 is formed as previouslydescribed and illustrated in FIG. 6, between the sealed inside wallcreated by the plurality of cartridges and the outside wall created bythe inner surface of the exterior housing 40. The channel 86 in FIGS.6C-6D, is shown extending to a cavity 91 at the top receiver end 80 ofthe top filter 72, or conceivably another variable cartridge. The cavity91 is shaped to re-direct the water flow in the opposite direction fromthe direction at which the water flow enters the cavity 91.

The plurality of cartridges illustrated in FIG. 6D are similarlyarranged to include the base cartridge 14, the first variable cartridge16, and the second variable cartridge 62. However, the plurality ofcartridges are alternatively constructed to direct a path 93 of thewater flow in a substantially serpentine shape through the plurality ofcartridges between the cavity 91 of the opposite end 46 and the outlet30. More specifically, each of the plurality of cartridges, as shown inFIG. 6D include a top covering 95 disposed over each of the basetreatment medium 20, the first filter medium 34, and the secondtreatment medium 71 and include a gap 97 formed between the sidewall 27of the base cartridge 14, the first wall 39 of the first variablecartridge 16, the second wall 68 of the second variable cartridge 62 andthe circumference of each of the base treatment medium 20, the firstfilter medium 34, and the second treatment medium 71. It is conceivedthat the top covering 95 may be an extruded polymer material or analternatively integrated dense material that is at least substantiallyimpervious, more typically completely impervious, to water flow into thefilter or treatment medium.

Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 6E, the top covering 95 directs the path93 of the water flow radially outward toward the sidewall of therespective cartridge and into the gap 97. The water flow is thendirected radially inward through the porous treatment or filter mediumof the respective cartridge and into a hollow central conduit 99 todirect the path 93 of the water flow to the next cartridge or the outlet30. As illustrated in FIG. 6D, in operation, the path 93 of the waterflow enters through the inlet 28, subsequently travels through thechannel 86 to the opposite end 46 of the exterior housing, subsequentlyenters the cavity 91 and re-directs the general direction of the waterflow, subsequently travels into the second variable cartridge 62 andradially outward into the gap 97, subsequently travels radially inwardand interacts with and passes though the second treatment medium 71,subsequently enters the first variable cartridge 16 and radially outwardinto the gap 97, subsequently travels radially inward and interacts andpasses through the first treatment medium 34, subsequently enters thebase cartridge 14 and radially outward into the gap 97, subsequentlytravels radially inward and interacts with and passes through the basetreatment medium 20, and finally exits the fluid treatment assembly 10though the outlet 30 as treated water. It is also conceived that thewater flow may travel in a reverse order/direction from that describedabove, wherein the outlet 30 on the connector 12 functions as the inletand the inlet 28 on the connector 12 functions as the outlet.

As further illustrated in FIGS. 7-8, an additional embodiment of themulti-stage fluid treatment assembly 10 is shown, wherein the fluidtreatment assembly 10 includes a base cartridge 94, a connector 92, atleast one variable cartridge 96, 98, and a cap 100 that togetherfunction to provide a sealed housing 102 that is configured to engagesthe filter head assembly 400, eliminating the exterior housing 40. Thebase cartridge 94, the first variable cartridge 96, and the secondvariable cartridge 98 are similar to those described above, however,they are renumbered for the illustrated embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 7, a water flow channel 104 extends between the inlet28 of the connector 92 and the cap 100. The cap 100 is coupled with thesecond receiver end 106 of the second variable cartridge 98 and enclosesthe sealed housing 102 that is formed within the sidewall 108 of thebase cartridge 94, the first wall 110 of the first variable cartridge96, and the second wall 112 of the second variable cartridge 98. The cap100 is configured to direct the fluid to flow between the channel 104and the second variable cartridge 98, or any other cartridge directlyengaged to the cap 100. It is conceivable that the cap 100 may alsoinclude a pre-filter or a top filter disposed therein, or an othervariable cartridge disposed therein, for filtering the water flow.However, as shown in FIG. 8A, the cap 100 may simply provide a void 114to direct the water flow from the channel 104 to the second variablecartridge 98. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 8B, the cap 100 is integralwith the second variable cartridge 98, such that the first variablecartridge 96 is elongated to facilitate the depth 408 of the filter headassembly 400 of an appliance 300.

As shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 7-8D, the channel 104 is formedwithin the sealing housing 102 between the inlet 28 of the connector 92and the cap 100, such that segments of the channel 104 are provided ineach of the base cartridge 94, the first variable cartridge 96, and thesecond variable cartridge 98. The channel 104 is configured to allow thewater flow to travel in a close circuit within the channel 104, the atleast one variable cartridge 96, and the base cartridge 94 deliver thetreated water back to the appliance. As shown in FIG. 7, the segments ofthe channel 104 encompass approximately half of the circumference ofeach of the connector 92, the base cartridge 94, the first variablecartridge 96, and the second variable cartridge 98. However, it isconceivable that the channel 104 encompasses a larger or smaller portionof the above referenced circumferences. Significantly, the channel 104segments may also be customized for each of the base cartridge 94, thefirst variable cartridge 96, and the second variable cartridge 98, suchthat a flow rate through the channel 104, and in turn though the fluidtreatment assembly 10, is adjustable by selecting a cartridge with avaried channel segment based upon the type and flow rate requirementsfor the treatment medium of the cartridge. This notable additionalfeature is explained in more detail below.

As further illustrated in FIG. 7, a plurality of o-rings 116 areprovided between each of the connector 92, the base cartridge 94, thefirst variable cartridge 96, the second variable cartridge 98, and thecap 100 to assist in forming a water tight seal upon assembly of thesealed housing 102 of the fluid treatment assembly 10, as shown in FIG.8. The o-rings 116 may comprise a plastic or elastomeric material, suchas rubber, that may be compressed upon assembly. It is contemplated thatthe relative position of the o-rings 116 with respect to the channel 104segments may be varied on each of the connector 92, the base cartridge94, the first variable cartridge 96, the second variable cartridge 98,and the cap 100 to maintain a water tight seal.

Referring now to FIG. 8, the base cartridge 94, the first variablecartridge 96, and the second variable cartridge 98 are coaxially coupledto each other, such that they may be detached by grasping and pulling orrotating them in relation to each other. Further, the base cartridge 94,the first variable cartridge 96, and the second variable cartridge 98are coaxially coupled to form a cylindrical shape of the sealed housing102, having the sidewall 108 of the base cartridge 94, first wall 110 ofthe first variable cartridge 96, and the second wall 112 of the secondvariable cartridge 98 substantially aligned. It is conceived that theindividual lengths of the at least one base cartridge 94, the at leastone variable filter cartridge 96, 98, and the cap 100 may be adjusted toelongate or shorten the multi-stage fluid treatment assembly 10 to bereceived in the depth 408 of the receiving cavity 402 of the filter headassembly 400 (FIG. 3). For instance, the cap 100 may be removablyengaged with a select one of the end 118 of the connector 92, the secondend 120 of the base cartridge 94, the first receiver end 122 of thefirst variable cartridge 96, and the second receiver end 106 of thesecond variable cartridge 98 to provide the sealed housing 102 that isconfigured to removably engage the filter head assembly 400 of anappliance 300. Thereby the cap 100 may include an elongated portiondevoid of a treatment medium, such that the sealed housing 102 is sizedto span the depth 408 of the receiving cavity 402 of the filter headassembly 400 sufficient to allow a user to grasp the cap 100 and installthe connector 92 into engagement with the filter head assembly 400 (FIG.3). The elongated portion may include a laterally extending latchassembly for detachably engaging a receptor within the filter headassembly 400 (FIG. 3).

The plurality of cartridges, as shown in FIGS. 8A-8D, include anextension 124 and a corresponding opening 126 to engage the extension124 between each of the plurality of cartridges. A flow passage 128 isprovided through the center of the extension 124 to permit the flow ofwater to travel between the treatment medium spaced within eachcartridge in an opposite direction than the water flow through thechannel 104. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, a first extension130 is provided on the first end 119 of the base cartridge 94 to engageand couple with a first opening 132 on the connector 92. Accordingly, asecond extension 134 and a third extension 136 are respectively providedon the first coupler end 121 of the first variable cartridge 96 and thesecond coupler end 123 of the second variable cartridge 98 to engage andcouple respectively with a second opening 138 on the second end 120 ofthe base cartridge 94 and a third opening 140 on the first receiver end122 of the first variable cartridge 96.

As illustrated in FIGS. 8C-8D, the plurality of cartridges are similarlyarranged to include segments of the channel 104 extending through eachof the base cartridge 94, the first variable cartridge 96, the secondvariable cartridge 98, and the cap 100. The embodiments shown in FIGS.8C and 8D, however, include the top cover 95 and the gap 97 as includedin FIGS. 6D and 6E. Accordingly, the water flow has a substantiallyserpentine shape through the plurality of cartridges between the cap 100and the outlet 30. As such, the top covering 95 directs the water flowradially outward toward the sidewall of the respective cartridge andinto the gap 97. The water flow is then directed radially inward throughthe porous treatment or filter medium of the respective cartridge andinto the hollow central conduit 99 to direct the water flow to the nextcartridge or the outlet 30.

In operation of the embodiment of FIG. 8C, the water flow enters throughthe inlet 28, subsequently travels through the channel 104 to the cap100, subsequently travels radially inward and interacts with and passesthough the treatment medium in the cap 100 into the central conduit 99,subsequently travels into the second variable cartridge 98 and radiallyoutward into the gap 97, subsequently travels radially inward andinteracts with and passes though the second treatment medium 71 into thecentral conduit 99, subsequently enters the first variable cartridge 96and radially outward into the gap 97, subsequently travels radiallyinward and interacts and passes through the first treatment medium 34into the central conduit 99, subsequently enters the base cartridge 94and radially outward into the gap 97, subsequently travels radiallyinward and interacts with and passes through the base treatment medium20, and finally exits the fluid treatment assembly 10 though the outlet30 as treated water. It is also conceived that the water flow may travelin a reverse order/direction from that described above, wherein theoutlet 30 functions as the inlet and the inlet 28 functions as theoutlet.

As illustrated in FIGS. 8A-8C, the extensions 124 and openings 126 arein a snap-fit arrangement that are configured to allow a user tofrictionally engage and disengage the cartridges with each other by handwithout the use of tools and to form a water-tight seal capable ofwithstanding water pressure traveling through the fluid treatmentassembly 10 from an appliance or other water source. As illustrated inFIG. 8B, the extensions 124 and openings 126 may also be configured in athreadably connected configuration allowing a user by hand without theuse of tools to engage and disengage the cartridges with each other andthereby form a water-tight seal capable of withstanding water pressurefrom an appliance or other water source. Accordingly, the cartridgesremovably engage and disengage each other by grasping the opposingcartridge and applying a force, such as a linear force, a torque force,or a combination thereof, between the cartridges to removably engage ordisengage each other. The extensions 124 and openings 126 are shown ascylindrical shaped, however, they may comprise additional or alternativeshapes, including a rectangular prism shape or a conical shape.

Another feature that may be used to ensure a stable and water-tightconnection between the cartridges is shown in FIG. 8E. In thisembodiment, a pair of threaded rods 142 extend longitudinally from theconnector 92, through each cartridge, and beyond a cartridge 144 mostdistal from the connector 92. A lock nut 146 is screwed down on each rod142 to engage a top surface 148 of the cartridge 144 most distal fromthe connector 92, compressing the o-rings 116 and securing thecartridges in a water-tight connection. The cap 150 is placed over thetop surface of the distal cartridge 144 to contain water in the fluidtreatment assembly 10 and adapt the shape of the fluid treatmentassembly 10 to engage the filter head assembly 400. It is alsoconceivable that one or more than the pair of rods 142 may extend fromthe connector 92 and through the cartridges to secure the cartridgestogether in a water-tight connection.

As further illustrated in FIG. 9, an additional embodiment of the fluidtreatment assembly 10 is shown, wherein the fluid treatment assembly 10includes a keyed mating arrangement 152. The keyed mating arrangement isdisposed between each of a connector 154, a base cartridge 156, a firstvariable cartridge 158, a second variable cartridge 160, and a cap 162.The keyed mating arrangement 152 is configured to allow the plurality ofcartridges including the base cartridge 156, the first variablecartridge 158, and the second variable cartridge 160, to matingly engagein a fluid tight manner exclusively in the order illustrated, such that,for example, the second variable cartridge 160 may not be directlyengaged with the base cartridge 156 without first including the firstvariable cartridge 158 between the base cartridge 156 and the secondvariable cartridge 160. This keyed mating arrangement 152 ensures thatthe plurality of cartridges are assembled in the correct order, as theorder of filtering or fluid treatment, in some cases, must be performedin a specific sequence to realize the filtering or treatment benefits ofeach treatment medium of each cartridge.

The keyed mating arrangement 152, in the embodiment as illustrated inFIG. 9, more specifically includes at least one recess 164 and at leastone protrusion 166 configured to matingly engage the corresponding atleast one recess 164. As shown, a first keyed mating arrangement 168between the connector 154 and the base cartridge 156 includes threelongitudinally extending protrusions 170 on the connector 154 configuredto matingly engage three recesses 172 formed on the first end 174 of thebase cartridge 156. Further, a second keyed mating arrangement betweenthe base cartridge 156 and the first variable cartridge 158 includesfour longitudinally extending protrusions 178 on the second end 180 ofthe base cartridge 156 configured to matingly engage four recesses 182formed on the first connector end 184 of the first variable cartridge158. A third keyed mating arrangement 186 between the first variablecartridge 158 and the second variable cartridge 160 includes fivelongitudinally extending protrusions 188 on the first receiver end 190of the first variable cartridge 158 that are configured to matinglyengage five recesses 192 formed on the second connector 194 end of thesecond variable cartridge 160. In further sequence, a fourth keyedmating arrangement 196 between the second variable cartridge 160 and thecap 162 includes six longitudinally extending protrusions 198 on thesecond receiver end 200 of the second variable cartridge 160 that areconfigured to matingly engage six recesses 202 formed on the cap 162.

As shown in FIGS. 9A-9D, an additional embodiment of the recesses 165and protrusions 167 of the keyed mating arrangement 152 is illustrated.The protrusions 167 include a neck portion 169 that extends from thecartridge to a head portion 171 having a larger diameter than the neckportion 169. The head portion 171 is configured to engage acorresponding recess in another cartridge, similar to the recesses 165illustrated on the opposing end of the cartridge from the protrusions167. The recesses 165, as illustrated, typically include a cylindricalhole 173 with a slot 175 extending from the base of the cylindrical hole173 in a circumferential direction relative cartridge. The slot 175allows for lateral movement of a head portion 171 of a correspondingprotrusion, and a crevice 177 extends in alignment with the slot 175 toallow for movement of a neck portion 169 of the correspondingprotrusion. When the corresponding head portion is inserted into thecylindrical hole 173 and the cartridge and corresponding cartridge aretwisted in opposing directions, the head portion moves laterally in theslot 175, causing a camming action to lock the head in engagement withthe slot 175. It is also conceivable that the keyed mating arrangementmay be configured for an opposing lateral movement between the cartridgeand corresponding cartridge to engage the same.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 9B, the slot 175 is angled toslightly over compress the o-ring 116 when the corresponding headportion is at the apex of the slot and to draw the corresponding headportion down at an end of the slot 175 to cause a substantially optimalo-ring 116 compression and avoid over compression. This keyed makingarrangement embodiment also allows the channel 104 to be in alignmentwhen the cartridges are engaged. It is also conceivable that theprotrusions 167 and recesses 165 of the keyed mating arrangement 152 mayadditionally or alternatively include embodiments with slots to providea threaded engagement between the cartridges upon opposing twistingmovement of engaging cartridges. In addition, the keyed matingarrangement may include any number, shape, or orientation of matingarrangement, such as between a protrusion and a recess, opposingpositive and negative embossments, or a protuberance and a relief.

The first, second, third, and fourth keyed mating arrangements 168, 176,186, 196 are configured so they cannot engage with each other. Forinstance, if the first and second variable cartridges 158, 160 were tobe integrated into the base cartridge 156, such an elongated basecartridge must have the first keyed mating arrangement 168 recesses 172on the first end to correspond with the connector 154 and the fourthkeyed mating arrangement 196 protrusions 198 on the second end tocorrespond with the cap 162. It is conceived that the keyed matingarrangements may include, among other things, various shaped protrusionsand mating recesses. Further it is contemplated that the extensions 124and openings 126, as shown in FIG. 8A, for the flow path 128 between thecartridges may integrate keyed mating arrangements to require a specificorder of the plurality of cartridges. In this manner, for example, if awater treatment cartridge functions to add nutritive components such asvitamins, minerals, pharmaceuticals, and/or nutraceuticals (glucisomialand or chondroitin, for example), the keyed mating arrangement wouldensure that the nutritive additive water treatment cartridge functionsafter a water treatment cartridge that functions to remove impuritiesthereby avoiding a misalignment of the cartridges and ensuring theadditives are not added to the water only to be removed by another watertreatment cartridge.

Still referring to the additional embodiment in FIG. 9, the channel 104is shown as a cylindrical passage 204 extending from the inlet 28 in theconnector 154, longitudinally extending through each cartridge, andextending through the cap 162 to a central cavity 88 positioned coaxialin relation to the plurality of cartridges. It is conceivable that thecap 162 may also include a pre-filter or a top filter disposed therein,or another variable cartridge disposed therein, for filtering the waterflow. However, as shown in FIG. 8A, the cap 100 may simply provide avoid 114 to direct the water flow from the channel 104 to the secondvariable cartridge 98. Cylindrical channel segments 205 of thecylindrical passage 204 are formed in each cartridge and extend withinthe sidewall of the base cartridge 156, the first wall of the firstvariable cartridge 158, and the second wall of the second variablecartridge 160, between the outer surface of the sealed housing 102 andthe treatment medium spaced within each cartridge. Upon assembly andoperation of the fluid treatment assembly 10, each channel segment 205is substantially aligned to create the continuous channel from the inlet28 to the cap 162. It is again contemplated that the channel 104 mayhave an alternative shape or configuration from the cylindrical passage204, such as the channel 104 as illustrated in FIG. 7.

As shown in FIG. 10, the cartridge channel segment 205 may also have alarger diameter relative to the diameter of other portions of thecylindrical passage 204 as shown in FIG. 9, to configure the rate atwhich the intake water flows through the channel 104. Also, a narrowerdiameter cartridge channel segment 205 cartridge may be included in thechannel 104 to increase the rate at which the intake water flows throughthe channel 104 and the closed circuit. As shown in FIG. 10A, multiplechannel segments 206 may also be included to increase the flow ratecapacity when all the segments of the channel 104 contain alignedmultiple channel segments 206, which correspond to an inlet and capformation configured for multiple channel segments 206.

An additional embodiment of the cartridge channel segment 205 is shownin FIG. 10B. The cartridge channel segment 205 includes a substantiallyconical shape to increase or reduce the rate at which fluid travelsthrough the cartridge channel segment 205, thereby increasing orreducing the rate at which fluid travels through the channel 104 and theentire fluid treatment assembly 10. More specifically, the cartridgechannel segment 205 is configured to correlate with a desired water flowrate for the treatment medium spaced within the corresponding cartridge.The desired water flow rate varies depending upon the treatment medium,and therefore, altering the shaped or diameter of the cartridge channelsegment 205 allows a cartridge with a treatment medium that requires afaster or slower flow rate to be utilized in the fluid treatmentassembly 10 by only adding or replacing the cartridge with one of theplurality of cartridges. Accordingly, a residence time the water is incontact with the water treatment medium within the cartridges may beregulated by altering the rate at which the water travels through thechannel 104.

The fluid treatment assembly 10 that is used to treat a fluid, isinstalled by first exposing the receiving cavity 402 on the filter headassembly 400 of the appliance 300 to allow for removal or insertion of afluid treatment assembly 10. Next, the cap 18 of the fluid treatmentassembly 10 is grasped and manipulated to insert the connector 12 intothe receiving cavity 402 and align it in a connecting position with thefilter head assembly 400. Next, the fluid treatment assembly 10 isrotated and manipulated to align the connector 12 of the fluid treatmentassembly 10 with the filter head assembly 400. More specifically, asshown in FIG. 3, the inlet 28 of the connector 12 is engaged with awater supply port 410 of the filter head assembly 400 and the outlet 30of the connector 12 is engaged with a water delivery port 412 of thefilter head assembly 400. Accordingly, a by-pass valve is opened in thefilter head assembly 400 by rotating the fluid treatment assembly 10,thereby supplying a water flow from the appliance 300 through the inlet28, through the channel 86, through the treatment medium of thecartridges wherein the water flow is treated, and thereafter dispensedthrough the outlet 30 back into the appliance 300.

It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art thatconstruction of the described invention and other components is notlimited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of theinvention disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety ofmaterials, unless described otherwise herein. In this specification andthe amended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” includeplural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that eachintervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit unlessthe context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper and lowerlimit of that range, and any other stated or intervening value in thatstated range, is encompassed within the invention. The upper and lowerlimits of these smaller ranges may independently be included in thesmaller ranges, and are also encompassed within the invention, subjectto any specifically excluded limit in the stated range. Where the statedrange includes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either orboth of those included limits are also included in the invention.

It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement ofthe elements of the invention as shown in the exemplary embodiments isillustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the presentinnovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, thoseskilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciatethat many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes,dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements,values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors,orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novelteachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example,elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple partsor elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, theoperation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, thelength or width of the structures and/or members or connector or otherelements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustmentpositions provided between the elements may be varied. It should benoted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may beconstructed from any of a wide variety of materials that providesufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors,textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications areintended to be included within the scope of the present innovations.Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be madein the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired andother exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of thepresent innovations.

It will be understood that any described processes or steps withindescribed processes may be combined with other disclosed processes orsteps to form structures within the scope of the present invention. Theexemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrativepurposes and are not to be construed as limiting.

It is also to be understood that variations and modifications can bemade on the aforementioned structures and methods without departing fromthe concepts of the present invention, and further it is to beunderstood that such concepts are intended to be covered by thefollowing claims unless these claims by their language expressly stateotherwise.

What is claimed is:
 1. A customizable multi-stage water treatment systemcomprising: a base cartridge having a first end, a second end, and asidewall extending between the first and second ends and surrounding abase interior volume, wherein a base treatment medium is spaced withinthe base interior volume; a first variable cartridge configured to beremovably engaged by hand with the base cartridge without the use oftools, wherein the first variable cartridge includes a first coupler endengaged with the second end of the base cartridge, a first receiver end,and a first wall extending between the first coupler and first receiverends and surrounding a first interior volume, and wherein a firsttreatment medium is spaced within the first interior volume; an secondvariable cartridge configured to be removably engaged by hand with thefirst variable cartridge without the use of tools, wherein the secondvariable cartridge includes a second coupler end engaged with the firstreceiver end of the first variable cartridge, a second receiver end, anda second wall extending between the second coupler and second receiverends and surrounding a second interior volume, wherein a secondtreatment medium is spaced within the second interior volume; aconnector coupled with the first end of the base cartridge and having aninlet for receiving an intake water from a water source and an outletfor dispensing a treated water to a user, wherein the connector isdevoid of treatment medium, and wherein the base, first variable, andsecond variable cartridges together are configured to receive the intakewater, to bring the intake water into operative contact with the base,first, and second treatment mediums, and to change the intake water tothe treated water; a keyed mating arrangement that is disposed on theconnector, the base cartridge, first variable cartridge, and secondvariable cartridge and is configured to prohibit the base cartridge frommatingly engaging in a fluid tight manner with the second variablecartridge and prohibit the connector from matingly engaging in a fluidtight manner with the first and second variable cartridges; and achannel positioned within and extending between the connector and thesecond variable cartridge and also within the sidewall of the basecartridge, the first wall of the first variable cartridge, and thesecond wall of the second variable cartridge, wherein the channel isconfigured to transport water between the inlet of the connector and thesecond treatment medium of the second variable cartridge, and wherein aclosed circuit for fluid travel is defined consecutively by theconnector, the channel, the second treatment medium, the first treatmentmedium, the base treatment medium, and the connector.
 2. Thecustomizable multi-stage water treatment system of claim 1, wherein thekeyed mating arrangement includes at least one recess and at least oneprotrusion configured to matingly correspondingly engage the at leastone recess, and wherein the keyed mating arrangement is configured topermit the connector to matingly engage in a fluid tight manner with thefirst end of the base cartridge, to permit the second end of the basecartridge to matingly engage in a fluid tight manner with the firstconnector end of the first variable cartridge, and to permit the firstreceiver end of the first variable cartridge to matingly engage in afluid tight manner with the second connector end of the second variablecartridge.
 3. The customizable multi-stage water treatment system ofclaim 1, wherein the keyed mating arrangement includes a first keyedmating arrangement between the connector and the base cartridge and asecond keyed mating arrangement between the base cartridge and the firstvariable cartridge, and wherein the first and second keyed matingarrangements are configured to prevent the connector from directlyengaging the first variable cartridge and to prevent the first end ofthe base cartridge from engaging the first coupler end of the firstvariable cartridge and to prevent the second end of the base cartridgefrom engaging the connector.
 4. The customizable multi-stage watertreatment system of claim 3, wherein the keyed mating arrangementfurther includes a third keyed mating arrangement between the firstvariable cartridge and the second variable cartridge, and wherein thesecond and third keyed mating arrangements are configured to prevent thebase cartridge from directly engaging the second variable cartridge andto prevent the first coupler end of the first variable cartridge fromengaging the second connector end of the second variable cartridge andthe first receiver end of the first variable cartridge from engaging thesecond receiver end of the second receiver cartridge.
 5. Thecustomizable multi-stage water treatment system of claim 1, wherein theconnector is integral with the base cartridge.
 6. The customizablemulti-stage water treatment system of claim 1, wherein the connector isconfigured to be removably and fluidly engaged and disengaged with thefirst end of the base cartridge bottom by hand, and wherein the secondvariable cartridge is included in the water treatment system.
 7. Thecustomizable multi-stage water treatment system of claim 1, wherein thechannel comprises: a base segment extending within the sidewall of thebase cartridge between the first end and the second end; a first segmentextending within the first wall of the first variable cartridge betweenthe first coupler end and the first receiver end; and a second segmentextending within the second wall of the second variable cartridgebetween the second coupler end and the second receiver end, wherein thebase segment, the first segment, the second segment of the channel aresubstantially aligned to permit fluid to travel there between when thebase, the first, and second variable cartridges are engaged with oneanother.
 8. The customizable multi-stage water treatment system of claim7, wherein the second segment is configured to regulate the rate atwhich fluid travels through the channel extending through the secondvariable cartridge, thereby regulating the rate at which fluid travelsthrough the closed circuit and the second treatment medium, and whereinthe second segment is configured to correlate with a desired water flowrate for the second treatment medium.
 9. The customizable multi-stagewater treatment system of claim 7, wherein the base segment and thefirst segment of the channel are configured to regulate the rate atwhich fluid travels through the channel extending through the respectivebase cartridge and first variable cartridge and configured to regulate aresidence time the water is in contact with the base, first and secondtreatment medium, thereby also regulate the rate at which fluid travelsthrough the closed circuit.
 10. The customizable multi-stage watertreatment system of claim 1, wherein the channel includes a cylindricalshape with a diameter, and wherein the diameter is configured to reducethe rate at which the intake water flows through the channel, therebyreducing the rate at which fluid travels through the closed circuit. 11.The customizable multi-stage water treatment system of claim 1, furthercomprising: a cap removably engaged with the second receiver end of thesecond variable cartridge and enclosing a sealed housing defined by atleast the cap, a second wall of second variable cartridge, the firstwall of the first variable cartridge, the sidewall of the basecartridge, and the connector, wherein the sealed filter housing isconfigured to removably engage a filter head assembly of an appliance.12. The customizable multi-stage water treatment system of claim 11,wherein the cap includes a pre-filter disposed therein having apre-filter treatment medium that is water permeable and configured toreceive an intake water from the channel, bring the intake water intooperative contact with the pre-filter treatment medium, and direct theintake water after it has passed through the pre-filter treatment mediumto the second treatment medium of the second variable cartridge.
 13. Thecustomizable multi-stage water treatment system of claim 1, furthercomprising: a cap removably engaged with a select one of the second endof the base cartridge, the first receiver end of the first variablecartridge, and the second receiver end of the second variable cartridgeto enclose a sealed housing defined by at least the cap, the sidewall ofthe base cartridge, and the connector, wherein the sealed housing isconfigured to removably engage a filter head assembly of an appliance,and wherein the cap includes an elongated portion devoid of a medium andthe sealed filter housing is sized to span a depth of the filter headassembly sufficient to allow a user to grasp the cap and install theconnector into engagement with the filter head assembly.
 14. Thecustomizable multi-stage water treatment system of claim 13, wherein theelongated portion of the cap includes a laterally extending latchassembly for detachably engaging a receptor within the filter headassembly.
 15. The customizable multi-stage water treatment system ofclaim 1, wherein first connector end of the first variable cartridge andthe second connector end of the second variable cartridge include athreaded portion surrounding a perimeter thereof, and wherein the secondend of the base cartridge and the first receiver end of the firstvariable cartridge include a corresponding threaded portion that isconfigured to be threadably and sealably engaged by hand with the firstand second connector ends, respectively.
 16. The customizablemulti-stage water treatment system of claim 1, wherein at least one ofthe base treatment medium, the first treatment medium, and the secondtreatment medium adds a descaling agent to the intake water, and whereinthe descaling agent is chosen from the group consisting of sulfonicacid, carboxylic acid, lactic acid, acetic acid, formic acid, oxalicacid, uric acid, phosphoric acid, hydrochloric acid, sulfamic acid, andmixtures thereof, and wherein at least one of the base treatment medium,the first treatment medium, and the second treatment medium is selectedfrom the group consisting of: activated carbon particles, a carbonpowder, a vitamin treatment material, aluminosilicate material, anorganic acid, inorganic acid, particles sintered with a plastic binder,carbon particles coated with a silver material, a block of porouscarbon, an ion exchange material, resin beads, flat filtrationmembranes, fibrous filtration structures, zeolite particles, zeolitecoatings, alumina, diatomaceous earth, polyethylene, charged-modifiedwebs, melt-blown webs, and microfiber glass.